This is intended as a meeting place for folk interested in the music I make with Marcus Cliffe as Miracle Mile or my solo stuff as 'Jones'.
I hope it'll be fun and might host some healthy banter; giving me a chance to share some music, video, thoughts etc.
It can get a little lonely in the attic; why not slide a note under the door...

Friday, 19 October 2012

Albums for Life: 110: Maria McKee: Life is Sweet

There's an excellent series over on the fine Cathedrals of Sound blog where blogmeister Davis Ashley is counting down through his favourite 150 albums.
Invariably short on original thought I've decided to do likewise here; trying to choose albums that have inspired and moved me. It'll be a journey and a reminder for me; a search for music that resonates with my enthusiasms and nostalgic baggage but that still features in my everyday life. So; there'll be a few quirks and offcuts then; rather than focussing on the obvious classics that are often cited but probably seldom listened to whilst stuffing a goose, sharpening the bread knife, dusting the moose head, cleaning the pool or disciplining the kitchen staff... ('OK Computer' anyone?)
David's rules are simple and I'll abide by them; only one album per artist, no compilations.
I'm not going to review the albums in depth, just give a little insight into why they initially floated my boat and still do so.
Di is threatening to do the same thing but seems to be looking over my shoulder, nicking my notes. She's been banished to the headphones in her search for something of her own and is currently wailing along solo voce to David Gray's 'White Ladder', gushing about his 'twitchy drummy beaty thing'; it's going to be a long 110 days... I'm not sure if she'll jump in at 100 as a footnote here or over on her own site:http://www.diholmesphotography.blogspot.co.uk

Kicking things off; in at 110 I've gone for Maria McKee's'Life is Sweet'.
I saw her live with Lone Justice and was smitten. When she went solo I was indifferent to the MOR ballads, but there was something... unhinged... behind those beautiful eyes that compelled me to follow her progress. Butter wouldn't melt but I'm not sure that it was butter in her mouth...
This girl had energy to spare and was patently bonkers but channeled her... erm... spunk perfectly on the album. Sure, there were the ballads that exposed her beautifully but there was drama akimbo too. Did she want to be a female Bowie/Ziggy?
I remember reading that McKee's zestful live dynamic had inspired Deacon Blue's'Real Gone Kid'. And 'bonkers' is perfectly summed up by this live rendition of an album highlight; the brilliantly titled 'Absolutely Barking Stars'.
I've followed it with a performance of the title track.
There's that look in her eye again...
I'd love to have her a round for tea but I'll definitely be hiding the bread knife...

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Jones: 'Happy Blue'

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'Happy Blue' The New Album by Jones

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Feedback for 'To the Bone'

To The Bone is beautiful, delicate, like whispers in the wind or that glimpse from the corner of your eye. It draws you in and seduces you with both sounds and words. It's Trevor Jones' most simple and perhaps honest record - emotions stripped down 'to the bone' and the stripped down feel to the album compliment the music perfectly.If you hear a more beautiful album this year then I'll eat my Marshall gigging cap.

Macwood Fleet

I have been enjoying your excellent 'To the Bone' album over the past week. It's a quietly, powerful album that reveals more of itself upon repeat listens. The understated production works really well.

Cerdin Rogers

I just wanted to drop a quick note to say that I absolutely love the record. Although musically it’s clearly much more stripped down than In Cassidy’s Care, it is every bit it’s equal! It’s a record that I play all the way through because it is incredibly consistent and it’s almost a cliché to state that that’s a rarity these days. This being the case, it’s almost unfair to single out particular tracks but 'Phil The Hat' is one of the most moving songs that I have heard for some time and I think 'Fireworks' could be my favourite song of yours. Now I just need to write a review that will do the record justice!!!

Rob Marsh

A big thanks for, once again, producing a beautiful album. I'm clumsy with words but even the most articulate of people couldn't put down on paper just how great this album is. It simply needs to be listened to. No other artist can strike up emotions and imagery like you can, and for this I thank you.I engross myself in your albums like a great book that I can't put down. I know we're only in March but 'To the Bone' is album of the year. Anyone who says different has neither a heart or a soul.

Phil Hogarth

'To the Bone' arrived yesterday. I have listened a few times. For me is another masterprice full of wonderful melodies. Thank for your music. Un abrazo(regards).

Mario Matamoro

I have got mildly excited as my wife (Di) likes 'Books to Bed'.Just played the album 3 times in a row. I guess that you have always written close to your heart but this time it just seems more personal. I have to confess I felt the tears welling up at the end. Maybe I'm getting to be a big softie in my senior years but this album has a chunk of your soul and I think that Marcus has responded with a sensitive and sympathetic production that elevates the album. I am looking forward to getting to know it more.I failed to mention that it is very very good! I love the way it ends...

Chris Guildersleve

Bloody Hell TREV, what are you trying to do to me?? I am now going to call you the Marquis of Melancholy. You ripped my heart out and sliced it up!!! I almost got in the car this morning and drove up to give you a big old man hug!!!! Still digesting To The Bone and trying I gets head around it. One thing though, the ending, genius. Very Sigur Ros.

Nick Baker

Beautiful is how I would describe it, Ive had a good few listens now and it's everything you hope for, nothing more and nothing less...!Simply Stunning to be honest, keep going...

Geoff Wright

'To the Bone' available now

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Miracle Mile: 'In Cassidy's Care'

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Miracle Mile Albums

Bicycle Thieves/Candids/Alaska/Stories We Could Tell/Glow/Limbo/Coffee and Stars

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